Qatar has a well-developed higher education sector, including local universities and international branch campuses. Qatar University and the University of Doha for Science and Technology are available options for nursing. In this article, we will look at how to study nursing in Qatar as an international student.
International admission is possible at some institutions in Qatar, but it depends on the applicant’s residence status, scholarship or student visa eligibility, and the admission rules for the specific program. Qatar University and the University of Doha for Science and Technology both publish information for international students, but applicants should always check whether the specific nursing program is open to them for the intended intake.
Studying nursing in Qatar allows students to learn in a health care system with strong links between universities, hospitals, and clinical training providers. Students also have the opportunity to experience Qatar’s culture and society while preparing for nursing careers in hospitals, clinics, community health settings, and other health care organizations.
What Degrees are there for Nursing in Qatar?
For international applicants who wish to study nursing in Qatar, the current official options are mainly diploma-level and bachelor’s-level routes. Qatar University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through its College of Nursing. The University of Doha for Science and Technology offers a two-year Diploma in Practical Nursing, a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a two-year Post-Diploma Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a two-year Post-Practical Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
A diploma-level nursing program can prepare graduates for entry-level nursing practice in Qatar, depending on licensing requirements. Students who already hold a nursing diploma may be able to continue into a post-diploma or post-practical bachelor’s pathway if they meet licensing, GPA, English, mathematics, and other admission requirements.
Cost of Studying Nursing
The cost of studying nursing in Qatar depends on the institution, program level, residence category, and whether the student receives a scholarship, sponsorship, or tuition exemption. Fees are usually listed in Qatari riyals.
| Institution or route | Current official fee indication |
|---|
| Qatar University Bachelor of Science in Nursing | QAR 1,200 per credit hour for nursing. With a 134-credit program, estimated tuition is about QAR 160,800, or about USD 44,200, excluding additional fees. |
| UDST Diploma or Foundation-level programs | QAR 12,500 per semester for Qatar residents and QAR 18,750 per semester for international students, plus listed fees. |
| UDST bachelor’s and post-diploma Health Sciences programs | QAR 985 per credit for Qatar residents and QAR 1,478 per credit for international students, plus semester and student service fees. |
Applicants should also budget for application fees, placement testing, books, health checks, housing, and clinical requirements. Qatar University lists a non-refundable undergraduate application fee of QAR 200. UDST lists a non-refundable application and testing fee of QAR 300.
Financial support is available in some cases. Qatar University offers scholarships and financial aid, including a competitive International Students Scholarship for undergraduate applicants that may include tuition and textbook fee exemptions, housing, airfare, a monthly stipend, and residence permit support. UDST lists tuition exemptions for Qatari undergraduate and foundation students, children of Qatari mothers, and some children of UDST-sponsored non-Qatari employees. HMC also states that it may make scholarships available to suitable candidates, but applicants should verify current details directly with HMC.
Requirements to Study Nursing
Admission requirements vary by institution and program. At Qatar University’s College of Nursing, applicants must complete 12 years of formal education. The program is available in English to male and female applicants, and the current minimum high school requirement is a 70% GPA in the science track. The college lists English requirements of IELTS 5.5 or higher, or TOEFL iBT 61 or higher. It also lists mathematics requirements of SAT 530, ACT 24 or higher, or QU Math Placer 200. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission because admission is competitive and depends on capacity.
At UDST, the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires a high school graduation certificate or equivalent approved by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education, with a minimum average of 60%. Applicants also need final-year mathematics, chemistry, and biology or physics courses with minimum grades, plus English and mathematics requirements. UDST lists IELTS Academic 5.0 overall with no band below 5.0 as one English option, and SAT 480 as one mathematics option. The program also requires immunization documentation and Basic Life Support certification at or shortly after enrollment.
UDST’s post-diploma and post-practical bachelor’s nursing routes are intended for applicants who already have nursing diploma qualifications and, in many cases, current nursing licensure in Qatar. These programs also require English and mathematics evidence, and they may require bridging courses depending on the applicant’s background.
International students should also check visa rules early. Qatar University states that international prospective students without a valid Qatar residence permit, excluding GCC citizens, must apply under one of the listed categories, such as self-funded study or scholarship study. Its student visa page lists required documents such as a passport valid for at least one year, financial sponsorship documents, health evaluation, police clearance, and, for undergraduate students, parental or guardian consent.
In What Languages Do You Study Nursing in Qatar?
Arabic is the official language of Qatar, but nursing programs at Qatar University and UDST are taught in English. Because of this, applicants who are not from English-medium backgrounds should expect to provide proof of English proficiency or complete an approved placement or foundation route.
For Qatar University College of Nursing, the listed English requirement is IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 61. For UDST nursing programs, one listed option is IELTS Academic 5.0 overall with no band below 5.0, although UDST may also accept approved placement tests or other recognized English tests validated by the admissions office.
Although English is widely used in higher education and health care settings, Arabic is commonly used in daily life in Qatar. International students may benefit from learning basic conversational Arabic, especially for cultural integration and patient-facing environments.
I hope this article was helpful. For more funding opportunities, visit the Scholarships Page and Available Courses for International Students.
